Sri Aurobindo

Letters on Himself and the Ashram

The Complete Works of Sri Aurobindo. Volume 35

Rules in the Life of the Ashram

Disregarding the Rules of the Ashram

Is it a fact that some sadhaks enjoy the special privilege of having obtained either your or the Mother’s sanction for eating meat or fish whenever they like?

No such sanction or privilege has been obtained by anybody from the Mother.

If so, can they cook these things in their residential quarters?

Certainly not, that is strictly forbidden.

Or does the permission apply only to their going out in town to eat these things?

When they do it outside in the town, they are taking a liberty — no liberty has been granted to them.

If no such sanction has ever been given, then how far are the principles of the Asram violated if a local well-wisher or a visitor to the Asram invites us to such feasts? Do they do the right thing by inviting us?

No, they don’t do the right thing — if they know of the rule of the Asram.

Those sadhaks who wilfully indulge this vital desire, how do they stand in your estimation? Are they to be classed as especially progressed souls for whom no such bondage to rules and regulations apply?

Not in the least — any such claim is obvious bunkum.

When such sadhaks lead others to believe that they are above the Asram rules, does it not do harm to their own Buddhahood? Then what is the right attitude to take up?

That raises the general question of disregard of the rules of the Asram or of the standards of action in Yoga. As such disregard is widespread and common among the sadhaks, if dealt with radically, it could entail a Pride’s purge or Communist purification which would leave in the Asram only a greatly reduced number of inmates. Certain things cannot be tolerated especially if done in the Asram. Apart from that we have been waiting for something to develop inwardly in individual sadhaks which will bring about a change. If it doesn’t — well, I suppose a time will come or is coming when everybody will have to choose.

I am not aware that there are any Buddhas in the Asram.

The right attitude is to keep strictly oneself to the truth and to affirm it quietly whenever it is necessary to do so.

Would turning down such invitations amount to a breach of etiquette or hurting the feelings of the person inviting?

That too is rubbish. Etiquette cannot take precedence over a rule of life proper to the Asram or the Yoga.

10 November 1938